Battery Question

I had an appointment with the EP nurse last Wednesday for a battery check because my pacemaker was reaching ERI. She told me that I had less than 3 months, but she described it as less than 3 months before I reach ERI. This was the first time that I head it explained that way. Anyway, yesterday I started feeling lightheaded and was getting short of breath just walking to my car. I ignored it as when I have episodes of tachycardia I do feel lightheaded. Today at work I felt that way again. I am a nurse and decided to check my pulse and it was 62. I had another nurse check it apically and it was 60. Of course it is a weekend and the office is not open until Monday and I am sure that it can wait until Monday, but I am frustrated because I was just in the office on Wednesday and she said everything was fine and I did not have to come back in for a month. Just wondering if anyone had any input or has experienced anything like this. I have a St. Jude PPM and I have had it for almost 7 years now.

6 Comments

time for a new one!

by Tracey_E - 2013-11-23 07:11:40

If you are pacing at a steady rate, that sounds more like EOL (end of life) than ERI (elective replacement). Could she have meant you were IN eri and had less than 3 months until eol? In ERI it's still fully functional, when it reaches EOL it cuts back on function and paces at a steady rate, usually 60.

The time frames they get are guesses based on what it was doing when they ran the report. Right before my last replacement they said 3-6 months to ERI when I went the end of Nov. I went back early Jan and had been ERI since 2 weeks after the last check. That's why there is a cushion in there, 3 months of EOL, because they can't predict exactly. Battery life isn't like the gas in the car that goes down gradually, rather it stays steady, stays steady, stays steady, little drop, BIG plummet.

It can wait until Monday, but take it easy until then.

If this is your first replacement, know that it's a piece of cake! They go through scar tissue, you already have a pocket, they leave the leads alone so it's just a mostly-numb incision to heal.

that is what I thought

by msthackston - 2013-11-23 08:11:03

I am pretty sure that I did not confuse what she said to me, but I way be wrong. I have been going for monthly appointments since February of last year because my pacemaker said I had 3-6 months of battery life left. At this appointment, the nurse told me that I had finally reached less than 3 months, but told me not to freak out because people always freak out when they hear that. She said it meant that I had less than 3 months before I reached ERI when insurance would cover a replacement and said that even after reaching ERI I would have about a 3 month time frame to get it replaced in. Imagine my surprise when I checked my HR today and it was 60! I guess I will just have to wait to see what they say on Monday, but what you said makes sense.

Thanks for the input

by msthackston - 2013-11-23 10:11:29

Well it sounds like my PPM may have reached EOL. I am just frustrated because I was just at the doctor 3 days ago and now I will have to do back this week. I could tell yesterday something was different, but like I said, I just played it off. Guess I will have to call my cardio on Monday to find out for sure.

PM Battery Replacement

by SMITTY - 2013-11-23 10:11:32

Hello,

Below is something I wrote based on my experience when the battery on my Medtronic had to be replaced. If you are concerned about the battery life and what will happen, this may help you. Fortunately for me I had learned of these symptoms before my time for battery replacement got here.

When the battery power reaches a certain level known as EOL (End of Life) or the PM goes into ERM (Elective Replacement Mode) or called a VVI (I don't know what that one stands for) there is enough battery power left to safely operate the PM for at least three months.

You will know when the EOL, ERM, or VVI level of battery power is reached as the PM shifts from being an on demand PM to a full time PM. As a full time PM it will make your heart beat at a constant 65 BPM, regardless of the low setting may have. When this happened to mine I knew it without a doubt. The low setting on mine was 80 and one morning I got up with a constant heart rate of 65 with a some irregular beats thrown in for good measure. It got my attention immediately.

As I said, fortunately for me I had read what would happen when the battery reaches EOL, ERM or VVI. While it was not painful, it was very uncomfortable, enough so to cause me to call the dr. office ASAP. I was told to it was probably a low battery and to come in for a checkup. The low battery was confirmed and I was scheduled for a new PM the next day.

The thing is, don't be concerned about being left without a working PM because of a dead battery. Our PMs have enough safety features built in them we will not be left out in the cold without any warning the battery has reached the end of its life.

Good luck,

Smitty

names

by Tracey_E - 2013-11-23 10:11:32

Different brands call it by different names. Whatever she called it, it sounds like she was talking about end of life. Some insurance won't cover replacements before it gets to that point.

Happened to me

by Beckes76 - 2013-11-25 07:11:37

My PM went into ERI on Nov. 15 and I had to do a transmission that following Monday the 18th (even though by appointment isn't until the 27th, I still feel the same as I did but I am getting use to slowing down. Instead of having my appointment on the 27th I get to receive my new PM that morning. I am still doing okay. Good Luck with everything.

Becky

You know you're wired when...

You have an excuse for gaining an extra ounce or two.

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